If your New Year’s resolution is to get into shape and be fit, as well gain greater strength and vitality, the opportunity to fulfill this resolution has arrived.

The Los Alamos Cooperative Extension Service and the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization are offering two strength training program options, StrongWomen, and Men Growing Stronger.

Both programs were developed by Tufts University at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy in Boston.

The StrongWomen program is a researched based exercise program for women older than 50. Two options will be offered. The final option selected will be based upon registrants’ interest and availability.

The first option will be Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 9 to April 29 from 10:30-11:15 a.m. The second option will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 10 to April 30 from 2:30 -3:15 p.m.

The StrongWomen sessions will be held at the Los Alamos Fitness Center, 771 Central Ave., Unit 28. Kent Pegg, certified personal trainer and owner of the Los Alamos Fitness Center, will lead the series.

Cost for the program is $60, which includes 24 sessions, a weekly nutrition and wellness newsletter and a StrongWomen T-shirt. All equipment will be provided.

Men Growing Stronger is also intended for men older than age 50 who want to grow stronger, healthier, more active and more independent; may be inactive or mildly active at the moment; know regular exercise is important for their health and well being; and want to get started on a program of physical activity.

The program will run Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:15-2:15 p.m. at The Family YMCA, 1450 Iris St. in Los Alamos. Leading the series will be Ann Funsten, fitness instructor at the YMCA.

She has certifications from American Council on Exercise as a group fitness instructor and AFAA as a personal trainer.

Cost of the program is $60, which includes 24 sessions, the book “Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults” and a Men Growing Stronger T-shirt. All equipment will be provided.

If interested in feeling stronger, healthier and more vital, theses programs fit the bill.

These strength-training programs were developed by experts at Tufts University.

Both programs are exercise programs based upon sound scientific research involving strengthening exercises – exercises that have been shown to increase the strength of muscles, maintain the integrity of bones and improve balance, coordination and mobility.

In addition, strength training can help reduce the signs and symptoms of many chronic diseases, including arthritis.

If people are not physically active now, these programs will help them make daily activity a regular part of their life by building the essential strength that makes all movement easier and more enjoyable.

Registration packets with enrollment and screening forms are available at the Cooperative Extension Service at the Los Alamos Community Building, 475 20th St., Suite A, or on its website, www.losalamosextension.nmsu.edu. Pre-registration deadline for both 12-week series is Wednesday, Jan. 21.

A mandatory screening evaluation is set for Friday, Jan. 23. Each class is limited to 25 participants.

Learn more about the StrongWomen program by attending an informational meeting scheduled for Friday from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

To learn more about the Men Growing Stronger program you may attend an informational meeting scheduled for Monday from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Both informational meetings will be held at the Betty Ehart Senior Center.

For information on the programs, contact Paula Roybal Sánchez, Home Economist, at the Los Alamos Cooperative Extension Service at 662-2656 or Pauline Schneider, executive director, at the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization at 662-8920.